For the first time in school history, the Viewmont Vykelles have won a state title. They swept all three categories in Military, Show and Dance to dominate the field Feb. 5 at Utah Valley University.

“Wow! What an incredible night,” said head coach Kayla Bagshaw. “Our hearts are so full! This has been a dream of ours for what feels like forever and it finally became our reality! What a way to end this year’s competition season – history made, goals achieved, tears shed and a whole lot of incredible memories to last a lifetime.”

Those on the championship Vykelles team are Jada Bell, Tessa Bloomfield, Meg Brown, Katelyn Calobeer, Avery Cook, Myah Coombs, Savanna Cutler, Alex Dickerson, Addie Fenton, Sierra Funk, Alexandra Gee, Janey Hadley, Aliza Hammond, Breezy Hayman, Kayli Hilton, Raisa Izatt, Isabel Jorgensen, Macey Kohutek, Macey Kurtz, Katelyn Lindsey, Kenzi McDaniels, Emily Nielsen, Sarah Pitt, Tessa Pitt, Olivia Preston, Sophia Preston, Belle Russon, Lauren Salimbene, Olivia Smith, Ashlyn Thompson, Cacy Tovey, Emily Walk, Eliza Ward and Hailey Williams.

Bagshaw was assisted on the coaching staff by Bailee Hadlock.

“We had the time of our lives out there and are so grateful for the opportunity we’ve had to compete this year,” Bagshaw said. “I honestly can’t even put into words how proud I am of this team! These girls worked so hard for this and it all paid off. The work was worth it and this team is so deserving.”

Bagshaw said that, while they are thrilled with winning state, the journey to get here “is what truly matters most. We grew and progressed together as a team through hard work, perseverance and a deep desire to succeed,” she said. “We learned the value of true teamwork and the importance of loving, trusting and believing in each other day in and day out through every practice and every performance. We also learned to live in the moment and enjoy every second of the process. That is what drill is all about.”

Bagshaw said her squad was overwhelmed with their crowd at state and they all “felt the love.”

Farmington

In its first year competing in 6A, the Farmington Nixelles took second overall at the 6A state championships at Utah Valley University.  They placed second in the Military, Dance and Show divisions.

“Our show routine was one for the books. It was a full production that everybody loved,” said head coach Marci Hartvigsen. “This team is one of a kind. Our parents and student support ‘Nixelle Nation’ is unmatched! Our administration stands behind and supports all we do. We feel blessed for a year of records and unbelievable success!”

Those who were on the 2021-22 Nixelles squad were seniors Mikelle Bagley, Lainey Boulton, Hannah Clark, Shaylee Ford, Evi Hartvigsen, Ava McPherson, Hailey Shipley and Lexi Wells; juniors Rylee Egbert, Annie Garlick, Grace Holladay, Avery Jensen, Grace Lunt, Alyiah Montoya, Annalise Mortensen, Marina Perovich, Lauren Rencher, Lacey Rigby, Lily Short and Maren Williams,  sophomores Maren Glassey, Bo Holland, Abby Lloyd, Ainsley Painter and Brynlee Sanders; and freshmen Preslee Blaser, Ireland Brown, Avery Chandler, Hailey Harrison, Carrington Hendry, Kenya Holbrook, Addison Landon, Ava Leavitt, Ciara Montoya, Kiley Nixon, Alexus Oladi, Greta Poulson, Rayden Robison and Hali Stromberg.

Davis

Davis, the winner of 6A’s sportsmanship team award, placed third at the state this past weekend.

“Our theme for this year was ‘RISE,’” said head coach Kira Mortensen. “It had many meanings to us, but one of our goals was to place higher at the state championships this year than we did last. Last year, we placed fifth overall, and we jumped up two spots this year. We are thrilled with our placement.”

Senior Mia Montgomery won the individual drill down competition with junior Aspen Ahlquist taking third among the 300-plus athletes vying for the title.

Mortensen was assisted this year by Alisha Peters, Celesta Stephenson, Bayleigh Loveless and Cierra Peters.

“What an incredible season we have had,” said head coach Kira Mortensen. “This team has worked so hard, putting in 20 hours per week since June. It was a great year for the D’Ettes!”

Bountiful

The Bountiful Mandonelles placed third overall at the 5A state championships, taking third in each of the Military, Show and Dance categories.

“We are proud of how they performed their very challenging routines and they could not have done any better,” said head coach Alba Butler. “We are proud. We will be back better and stronger next year.”

The Redhawks were also given the 5A sportsmanship award, which is a recognition voted on by the other teams in the classification. “They won it for their kindness and respect towards others which is a great one for us,” Butler said.

Butler was assisted by MKenzie Kasteler and Kali Breckenridge on the coaching staff. λ